Catz lawyers soar to success

Early this year, Catz alum Lisa Roberts QC (1988, English) was appointed Attorney General of the Northern Circuit, making history as the first female Attorney General in the Circuit’s 800 year history. According to Circuit Leader Michael Hayton QC, Lisa was “the stand out candidate for the role.”

Lisa studied English Language and Literature with us at Catz, before going on to take her CPE at the University of Huddersfield to become a lawyer. Of the appointment, she said: “I am proud to be the first woman to hold the post since our Circuit was founded in 1176. The role is largely ceremonial and involves being on the Circuit Executive and making speeches at Grand Court. The perks extend to free food and drink at Bar Mess when I dine on top table with visiting High Court judges – whose company can be somewhat of a mixed blessing – and to boasting by far the grandest title I am ever likely to have.”

In other Law news, Richard Atkins QC (1985, Law) was earlier this year elected Vice-Chair of the Bar Council for 2018, the body that represents all 16,000 barristers in England and Wales.

Richard studied Law with us and now practices in crime and regulatory law. He became a member of the Bar Council in 2003, and since 2016 has been Co-Chair of the Bar Council’s Bar Representation Board. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2011 and was the Leader of the Midland Circuit for 3 years from October 2014. Richard said: “I have been hugely fortunate in my career having had a fantastic start at St Catz. I had a very enjoyable time as the Leader of my Circuit and am now honoured to have been elected as Vice-Chair of the Bar Council. I am looking forward to the new challenges that this position will bring.”